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Is Clematis toxic to cats?

Clematis spp.

Toxic to cats

Yes — clematis is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists Clematis (Clematis spp., family Ranunculaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is an irritant glycoside, protoanemonin, found throughout the plant; clinical signs are salivation (drooling), vomiting and diarrhoea, plus mouth and skin irritation on contact with damaged tissue. The plant is bitter and rarely eaten in quantity, but site it away from pets that chew foliage and contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate clematis

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move clematis out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of clematis to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten clematis, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is clematis toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is clematis toxic to cats?

Yes — clematis is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Clematis (Clematis spp., family Ranunculaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is an irritant glycoside, protoanemonin, found throughout the plant; clinical signs are salivation (drooling), vomiting and diarrhoea, plus mouth and skin irritation on contact with damaged tissue. The plant is bitter and rarely eaten in quantity, but site it away from pets that chew foliage and contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats clematis?

The ASPCA lists Clematis (Clematis spp., family Ranunculaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is an irritant glycoside, protoanemonin, found throughout the plant; clinical signs are salivation (drooling), vomiting and diarrhoea, plus mouth and skin irritation on contact with damaged tissue. The plant is bitter and rarely eaten in quantity, but site it away from pets that chew foliage and contact a vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if ingestion is suspected. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to clematis.

What should I do if my cat ate clematis?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is clematis toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Clematis is toxic to dogs as well. See the full clematis pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to clematis?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full clematis pet-safety